{"id":128048,"date":"2025-09-02T20:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T20:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/128048\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T20:34:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T20:34:11","slug":"transfer-window-wrapped-nine-premier-league-signings-were-excited-about","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/128048\/","title":{"rendered":"Transfer Window Wrapped: Nine Premier League Signings We’re Excited About"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the transfer
\nwindow done and dusted, we\u2019ve identified nine slightly less obvious
\nPremier
\nLeague<\/a> signings that captured our
\nimagination.<\/p>\n

Monday brought a close to the summer 2025 transfer window, with
\nPremier League clubs reportedly spending over \u00a33 billion, smashing
\nthe previous record.<\/p>\n

Reigning champions Liverpool caught the eye, of course,
\nespecially with their
\ndeadline-day signing of Alexander Isak for a British record \u00a3125
\nmillion<\/a>. That came after also spending an initial \u00a3100m on
\nFlorian Wirtz.<\/p>\n

While those deals are undoubtedly exciting from a neutral\u2019s
\nperspective, here at Opta Analyst, we wanted to shine a
\nlight on some of the less headline-grabbing deals that captured our
\nimagination\u2026<\/p>\n

Nick
\nWoltemade
Stuttgart to Newcastle<\/p>\n

Admittedly, Nick
\nWoltemade<\/a> cost a bit more (\u00a375m) than anyone else on this list
\nand so categorising him among \u201cless obvious deals\u201d might be a bit
\nof a stretch. Nevertheless, he\u2019s such an intriguing \u2013 and fun \u2013
\nplayer that we are particularly fascinated to see how he
\nadjusts.<\/p>\n


\nAs we wrote last week, he\u2019s a unique player<\/a>. For starters, he\u2019s
\nhuge; but then he has this immense technical ability, agility and
\nvision. Blended into one, it makes for quite an array of
\nstrengths.<\/p>\n

In his sole season at Stuttgart, he was both a creator and a
\nfinisher. Among the most rounded centre-forwards in Europe, he was
\none of just six such players from the top five leagues (900+
\nminutes) to average at least 2.0 shots (2.7), 0.3 non-pen xG
\n(0.44), 7.0 touches in the opposition\u2019s box (9.8) and 1.0 open-play
\nchances created (1.9) on a per-90 basis last term.<\/p>\n

\"Nick<\/p>\n

\"Nick<\/p>\n

No nominal centre-forward got close to his 1.9 open-play chances
\ncreated in the Bundesliga in 2024-25, with his 0.25 xG assisted per
\n90 up there with the very best, and equal to Wirtz.<\/p>\n

Woltemade may struggle at times as he adapts to the rough and
\ntumble of the Premier League, but his broad range of skills gives
\nhim every chance of being a success at Newcastle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

El Hadji Malick
\nDiouf
Slavia Prague to West Ham<\/p>\n

It would\u2019ve been understandable \u2013 natural, even \u2013 to do a
\ndouble-take at West
\nHam<\/a> spending roughly \u00a320 million on a young player from Slavia
\nPrague, but El
\nHadji Malick Diouf<\/a> has made a positive start.<\/p>\n

Those familiar with him prior to joining West Ham were
\napplauding the club for their vision in bringing him in during the
\nsummer, even with the hefty fee. He made a strong impact in
\npre-season and that\u2019s continued even after a somewhat testing first
\nouting at Sunderland.<\/p>\n

One of the most notable features of his game is the frequency
\nand quality of his deliveries from the left; in the Czech First
\nLeague last season, Diouf\u2019s 107 open-play crosses was the second
\nmost among all players. And he\u2019s already produced a few beauties
\nfor West Ham, including the excellent delivery for Callum Wilson\u2019s
\ngoal in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.<\/p>\n

This also feeds into his general mentality. So often he offers
\nan out-ball on the left, with Diouf ranking second among nominal
\nfull-\/wing-back for off-ball runs (68) and off-ball runs into the
\nfinal third (28) this season.<\/p>\n

\"El<\/p>\n

\"El<\/p>\n

There are still some raw elements to his game, but at 20 years
\nold, Diouf looks set to make a lasting impression on the Premier
\nLeague.<\/p>\n

Tyler
\nDibling
Southampton to Everton<\/p>\n

For a while it looked like Tyler
\nDibling<\/a> might have to accept a season of development in the
\nChampionship after Southampton\u2019s relegation and suitors being put
\noff by the asking price.<\/p>\n

But Everton<\/a>
\neventually put aside any potential doubts and made their move in a
\ndeal reportedly worth up to \u00a340m. It\u2019s a lot of money, but Dibling
\nis a player with a high ceiling.<\/p>\n

Last season, we thoroughly enjoyed Dibling\u2019s graceful style of
\nplay as he satisfyingly glided and jinked past defenders,
\nresembling a younger Jack Grealish both in that respect, and with
\nhis short socks.<\/p>\n

Ball carrying was where he stood out. On average, he travelled
\n13.2 metres per carry, the eighth furthest among Premier League
\nwingers (900+ mins) in 2024-25, with the teenager (he turned 19 in
\nFebruary) showing significant bravery and belief.<\/p>\n

\"Tyler<\/p>\n

Linked to that, his 5.6 take-on attempts per 90 saw him rank
\nseventh among wingers. Even fewer were able to match his ability to
\nget past multiple defenders, though, with his 14 multi take-ons
\nbettered by just Mohammed Kudus and J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku (22 each).
\nMeanwhile, only Morgan Rogers (22) drew more fouls while dribbling
\nthan Dibling (21), with the Aston Villa man playing nearly 1,300
\nmore minutes than the England Under-21 international.<\/p>\n

The prospect of him on one wing and Grealish on the other is an
\nexciting one, and a boost for manufacturers of tiny shinpads
\neverywhere.<\/p>\n

Harvey
\nElliott
Liverpool to Aston Villa (Loan)<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve waited a while for Harvey
\nElliott<\/a> to explode, but injuries and the presence of Mohamed
\nSalah have meant his progress has been a little slow.<\/p>\n

After lighting up the European Under-21 Championship in the
\nsummer and with designs on getting into the England squad for next
\nyear\u2019s World Cup, it seemed the time had come to move on from
\nLiverpool; only, it took longer than expected, with him only
\nsecuring a loan to Aston
\nVilla<\/a> on deadline day.<\/p>\n

His switch to Villa is one we like, though. Unai Emery\u2019s team
\nhave traditionally been known for their quick transitions, but
\ntheir nine build-up goals last term was bettered only by Manchester
\nCity (10); Elliott has a blend of abilities that can make him a
\npotent weapon in both types of phase.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s clever in tight spaces, a competent passer between the
\nlines and he can carry the ball effectively. Elliott is also
\nproductive in the final third; over the past two seasons, only five
\nplayers averaged more shots and chances created per 90 in Premier
\nLeague games than him (6.0). Meanwhile, only De Bruyne and Rodri
\nwere involved in more open-play shot-ending sequences per 90.<\/p>\n

\"Premier<\/p>\n

If he can have a run of regular games, we have a feeling a
\nseason at Villa Park could be the making of him.<\/p>\n

Michael
\nKayode
Fiorentina to Brentford<\/p>\n

After turning last season\u2019s loan into a permanent move from
\nFiorentina, Michael
\nKayode<\/a> has wasted little time making an impression at Brentford<\/a>.
\nQuite literally, he has hit the ground running.<\/p>\n

Kayode\u2019s impact begins with his athleticism. Only central
\nmidfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk (79) has pressured opponents more often
\ninside Brentford\u2019s defensive third than Kayode (76). But crucially,
\nthat off-ball work is carried out relentlessly: 82% of his
\npressures can be classified as \u201chigh intensity\u201d, a figure bettered
\nonly by Nathan Collins (85.2%) among Brentford players to attempt
\n30 or more pressures in that zone.<\/p>\n

That ferocity is matched by his combative nature in duels.
\nKayode leads Brentford players for tackles per 90 minutes (2.7) and
\nranks second for ground duels won (4.8 per 90), just behind fellow
\nfull-back Rico Henry (5.6).<\/p>\n

He has also shown the confidence to play forward. Only Mikkel
\nDamsgaard and Jordan Henderson have completed more passes in the
\nfinal third for the club, and Kayode has been involved in six of
\nBrentford\u2019s open-play attacking sequences, behind only Igor
\nThiago.<\/p>\n

\"Brentford<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Kayode leads Premier League defenders for completed
\ndribbles (five), a strength he\u2019d also shown last term.<\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s the additional dimension to his game that fits
\nneatly into Brentford\u2019s long-standing emphasis on set-pieces: his
\nlong throw.<\/p>\n

He has launched eight throws into the penalty area, creating two
\nchances directly \u2013 a league-high figure. Those deliveries have
\nalready generated 0.21 expected goals, more than any other player
\nin the division from throws.<\/p>\n

Adrien
\nTruffert
Rennes to Bournemouth\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bournemouth<\/a>
\nhave made some excellent signings in recent seasons, including
\nMilos Kerkez. The Hungarian left-back departed for Liverpool in the
\nsummer for a big profit, and so it was little surprise that the
\nCherries simply went into the market and found a player who many
\nbelieve is another gem.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Adrien
\nTruffert<\/a> had already caught the eye in Ligue 1 with Rennes,
\nearning himself a call up to the France senior squad in September
\n2022 after Lucas Digne pulled out with injury, and he has continued
\nto impress.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Only midfielder Ludovic Blas (47) created more chances for
\nRennes than Truffert (39) in Ligue 1 last season, while just six
\nplayers in the whole of Ligue 1 attempted more crosses than him
\n(145).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Adrien<\/p>\n

Truffert also won possession more times than any other Rennes
\nplayer (139), while only teammate Azor Matusiwa (64) made more than
\nhis 61 tackles.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

He has taken to the Premier League seamlessly too, standing out
\nin Bournemouth\u2019s 1-0 win at Tottenham on Saturday. Truffert made
\nmore tackles than anyone else (5), won more duels than any other
\nBournemouth player (12), and no-one in the game attempted more than
\nhis five crosses.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Anton
\nStach
Hoffenheim to Leeds United<\/p>\n

When promoted Leeds
\nUnited<\/a> confirmed the signing of midfielder Anton
\nStach<\/a>, with the greatest of respect, it was quite surprising
\nthat more established teams from Europe\u2019s top five leagues hadn\u2019t
\nalready taken a punt on him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Germany international had two solid seasons at Hoffenheim
\nafter joining from Mainz in 2023. Only six players won possession
\nmore often than Stach (171) in the Bundesliga last season, while
\njust 10 made more interceptions (46).\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, it was perhaps the 2023-24 season that caught Leeds\u2019
\neye even more, when Stach made the most interceptions of all
\nBundesliga players (74), while only Nico Schlotterbeck (245) and
\nGranit Xhaka (226) won possession more times than him
\n(222).\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Anton<\/p>\n

He showed his strengths in other parts of his game on his
\nPremier League debut against Everton; Stach attempted more shots
\nthan anyone else in the game (4), created the most chances (4), had
\nthe most touches (86) and made the most passes in the final third
\n(26) with an impressive accuracy of 96.2%.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was a similar story in an admittedly dull 0-0 draw with
\nNewcastle on Saturday, where Stach attempted the most shots (3) and
\ncreated the most chances (3) for Leeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Robin
\nRoefs
NEC to Sunderland<\/p>\n

Sunderland<\/a>
\nsigned Robin
\nRoefs<\/a> to compete with long-term goalkeeper Anthony Patterson,
\nand the Dutchman seems to have already established himself as first
\nchoice at the Stadium of Light.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Roefs only had his first season of regular first-team football
\nin the Eredivisie last season with NEC, and he rewarded the faith
\nshown in him by head coach Rogier Meijer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to\u202fOpta\u2019s expected goals on
\ntarget model (xGOT)<\/a>, Roefs prevented 11.5 goals in the Dutch
\ntop flight last season, (38 goals conceded excl. own goals from
\n49.5 xGOT), more than any other goalkeeper in the
\ncompetition.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Robin<\/p>\n

He kept 10 clean sheets in 32 league games, which helped NEC to
\nan eighth-place finish. Only G\u00e1bor Babos (11 in 2006-07) has more
\nfor the club on record in a single Eredivisie campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The data was there to suggest that the 22-year-old was a solid
\nstopper, and it was enough to earn him a place in our Eredivisie Team of the
\nSeason<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Roefs has also made a promising start to life at Sunderland,
\nkeeping a clean sheet on his debut against West Ham, and saving a
\npenalty from Kevin Schade in Saturday\u2019s dramatic late victory over
\nBrentford.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dan
\nNdoye
Bologna to Nottingham Forest<\/p>\n

It looked like a blow for Nottingham
\nForest<\/a> when they sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, one
\nof their star men leaving for a team they hoped to compete with in
\nthe Premier League for European spots. The early impact made by
\nDan
\nNdoye<\/a> has allowed fans to largely move on from the Swede,
\nthough.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ndoye joined from Bologna over the summer and took no time at
\nall in making an impact. He scored on his debut with a fabulous
\nheader in the 3-1 home win over Brentford, before playing a sublime
\npass from inside his own half to Callum Hudson-Odoi to equalise at
\nCrystal Palace.<\/p>\n

That made Ndoye the first Forest player since Geoff Thomas in
\n1998 to score or assist in each of his first two Premier League
\nappearances for the club.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Dan<\/p>\n

Only Riccardo Orsolini (15) scored more goals in Serie A for
\nBologna last season than Ndoye (8), while none of his teammates
\nattempted as many as his 86 dribbles. Ndoye likes to get on the
\nball and take players on, much like Elanga.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

In fact, Ndoye attempted 3.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the
\nleague last season, completing 1.6, while Elanga, although Forest\u2019s
\nmost prolific dribbler, only attempted 2.6 per 90, with 0.9 being
\ncompleted.\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n\"Premier<\/a><\/p>\n

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